'The Voice': St. Paul singer comes home for appearance at Mall of America

Minnesotans aren't shy when it comes to showing their love for Nicholas David Mrozinski. Hundreds of folks came out to the Mall of America on Thursday, Dec. 6, to welcome home the 32-year-old local musician who made it into the top 4 on "The Voice" this week.

With camera crews from the NBC singing competition in tow, Mrozinski, who grew up in Eagan and recently bought a home in St. Paul, was in town for less than 48 hours to do two public appearances before heading back to Los Angeles to work on "The Voice."

"This is so incredible," said his father, David Mrozinski, as he waited for his son to appear. "This has been a dream of Nick's -- to share his music and for people to be moved by his music."

Mrozinski's time on stage at the MOA was short but sweet -- less than 20 minutes. During a brief chat with KARE-TV's Eric Perkins, the singer -- decked out in funky plaid pants, a jean jacket, shirt and tie, vest, fedora and dark sunglasses -- said his time on the show working with his coach, Cee Lo Green, has been a "true treat" and that Green encouraged him and his teammates to just be "ourselves."

Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire proclaimed Mrozinski, who graduated from Eagan High School in 1999, was "the voice of Eagan and a wonderful asset to our community." He then presented the singer, who goes by Nicholas David on the show, with a "golden microphone" from the city.

"Thanks for coming.

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This is unfreakin' real," Mrozinski said to the crowd, some of whom held homemade signs in support of the singer.

Mrozinski then showed off his smooth, soulful voice by performing two of the more popular tunes he has covered on the show: "Stand By Me" and "What's Going On." As he left the stage, he stopped to hug family and friends, sign a few autographs and shake some hands.

"Unreal," he said about the whole experience afterward. "Truly, truly unreal."

Mrozinski fans Sandy Mastell of Lino Lakes and Jennie Nordine of Circle Pines were beaming after seeing their favorite contestant in person.

"We don't ever miss 'The Voice,' " Mastell said.

Nordine said they vote for Mrozinski as many times as they can each week. She said she loves his voice and the fact that he's "so unique."

Footage from Mrozinski's brief trip to Minnesota, which included an afternoon appearance at the Happy Gnome in St. Paul, will air on Monday's show (7 p.m., KARE-TV).

Also that night, Mrozinski once again will take the stage with the three other remaining contenders -- Terry McDermott, Cassadee Pope and Trevin Hunte. Two of them will be eliminated Tuesday, and the other two will go onto the two-night finale Dec. 17 and 18.